Melbourne steps up

Melbourne steps up

Melbourne has long prided itself as the Food and Wine destination of Australia, but now there's a new liquid culture rising surrounding single malt whisky.

Previously unexplored in Melbourne, single malt whisky now has a cultural and intellectual home with the launch of specialty single malt whisky bar, Whisky and Alement (formally Chez Regine).

The venue has partnered with one of the world's most exclusive whisky clubs, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and is one of only 2 venues in Australia to offer their exclusive single cask, cask strength whiskies to both members and non-members on pour. The most exciting product of the partnership between Whisky + Alement and SMWS is the production of a 20L cask of whisky on show at the bar from which whisky is purchased by the nip and poured directly from the cask.

The cask is result of a year of careful planning. The cask type, toasting level, whisky and temperature all had to be considered, and although the whisky inside remains a mystery, staff can reveal that the whisky is in fact an SMWS whisky from Islay, Scotland with common characteristics of smoke. The whisky it holds has been previously matured for 7 years and was put into the cask at a cask strength between 60-65%ABV and matured for a further 6 months in the small 20L ex-sherry cask. The whisky will continue to mature in the cask over time which means its flavour profile of the whisky will constantly change.

If the cask is not enticing enough, Whisky and Alement offer a list of 450 whiskies from around the world including (but not limited) to Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Sweden, France and of course Australia. Well versed whisky drinkers are encouraged to bring along friends, whisky and non-whisky drinkers alike, as the menu continues to expand with simple cocktails, a small yet elegant wine list and small food goods such as venison terrine.

Classes are available for the whisky novice who wants to learn more and regular events are run off location at restaurants and cinemas around Melbourne.

Previously known as Chez Regine, the venue has been re-designed by Rabindra Naidoo of Tonka Media best known for his work at Journal cafe and other Kon Kristopolous venues. Following a 7 week renovation over the Christmas period the venue was re-launched under the new brand name Whisky and Alement on February 12, 2013.

The venue prides itself on it's small bar team of four including owners Brooke Hayman and Julian White. All staff are passionate and knowledgeable. Staff are kept up to date with industry standards with annual staff trips to Australia's whisky capital, Tasmania where they tour distilleries, taste barrels and meet distillery owners and master distillers about how to grow the industry further.

A lot can be said about this small whisky bar, but the whisky speaks for itself so we'd like to invite you down for a couple of whiskies and a bit of banter about what we love most, the world of single malt whisky.